[Boatanchors] Leaner, Meaner And Wiser DBF Returns

[Duane Fischer, W8DBF]

Let me begin with a reality, one I was very aware of, but never had a reason to
pursue. No reason? Well, so much for what I thought. The idea is to prevent
there from ever being a reason, not to empirically discover one when it already
exists. In this case, advanced colon cancer. I am a little shy of fifty-seven
and have always had excellent health and recuperative powers. I have not had a
common Cold in at least six years. I did not want some person shoving some tube
with a TV camera inside it up by rump and looking around! I had no symptoms, or
so I thought.	
	
Simply stated; an IQ of 156, several degrees from the U. of M., celebrity
acquaintances from Marie Osmond to The Oakridge Boys to Pearl Bailey to Elton
John, a published author and dozens of other accomplishments to my credit, I was
wrong! Don't YOU be wrong, as I was. It remains to be seen if I was 'dead'
wrong. If you have a family history of colon cancer, (I have no known family
history because I was adopted), if you are over fifty or if you have any
symptoms, be they ever so slight ones, get a colonoscopy done! Better to have a
TV up the butt, than a knife cutting your belly open and removing your innards.
The condition is curable in many cases, if you are diagnosed early and get
treatment. 	
	
You are NOT super boat anchor dude, as I found out the hard way. Heed my words,
get a regular screening done, catch an issue early and cure it. Then unless you
get stupid at a Ham Fest and yell 'Blue Light Special On NOS Tubes Over Here!',
and get trampled to dust by the ever desirous bargain buyers among us, (grin),
you will live to enjoy those treasures that still go glow in the dark for many
years to come.       	
	
Second, and nearly as important: 	
	
My deepest heartfelt thanks to the uncounted hundreds of you who phoned my home
to leave messages, called the hospital to check on my condition, spoke with me
in the hospital, sent regular or e-mail cards, corresponded with my eldest
daughter Shelly about my progress, stopped by to see me prior to and after
surgery, and sent your wishes for a full recovery and greatly appreciated words
of hope and encouragement - Once again proves, Hams are some of the most caring
and kind and thoughtful people God placed on this planet. A very big thank you
to each and every one of you! 	
	
God willing, and if the tubes stay lit, I will be back on the air Friday to chat
with whoever is in the mood. E-mail or phone and I will meet you. The Nets? YES!
I am having NCS withdrawal, along with the morphine. I plan to be on the air
this Saturday and Sunday. A warning though. My voice is not recovered to its
normal baritone resonance, so do not be shocked if I sound on the puny side of
the mike! That tube down the throat was no fun!	
	
I am now posting the second part (conclusion) to: Frogzilla Meets Snow White And
The Seven Dorks, as promised. Enjoy. 	
	
I love you all - 	
	
Duane W8DBF